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Formula DRIFT Podium for Hyundai Genesis Coupe in Long Beach

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe clinched maiden podium finish in Formula DRIFT the past weekend at the Long Beach event. The Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe car was driven by World Champion driver Rhys "Mad Skills" Millen, who achieved a second-place finish.

Millen also qualified first, scoring 89 out of a possible 100 points on his first solo run. He had to compete against top drift talent including Vaughn Gittin Jr., the event winner, who was behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang.

Other drivers included past Formula DRIFT Champions, Tanner Foust, driving an 800+ horsepower NASCAR-powered Scion TC and Samuel Hubinette, driving an 800+ horsepower USAC-powered Dodge Challenger.

"I was in sync with my Genesis Coupe during the entire campaign and step one was to qualify first," said Rhys Millen. "The car had so much grip and power I was able to put it close to the walls and mirror the other competitors' cars' every move. Nothing compares to the pressure and thrill of the 'win it or lose it' factor while competing against more than 50 other cars and drivers."

It took RMR five months to prepare the Genesis Coupe for the race, the car now producing 650 horsepower from its stroked Lambda V6 engine. In 2009, the turbocharged car in drift spec developed by a partnership between Hyundai, Red Bull Energy Drink and Rhys Millen Racing, was relying on a 550hp power unit.

Mated to a HKS sequential transmission, the car also competes in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and selected Redline Time Attack events.
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